Rodney Ray Smith, 66, was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS in May of 2025 and passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. He was born to Roberta Louise (Middleton) and Otto Vernon Smith on Dec. 31, 1958, in Denison. He grew up 10 miles north of Woodbine with older brother, Robert Vernon and little sister, Jennifer Jean. He found success in track, which later became his passion to coach. Rod graduated from high school in 1977, and went on to earn his Animal Science degree from Iowa State University and his teaching credential from Dana College. He was united in marriage to Teresa Kay Rock on Aug. 8, 1981. They raised three children, Joseph Robert, Mary Fae and James Otto on the family century farm. Rod raised hogs for about 10 years and then made the decision to follow in his mother’s footsteps and be a teacher. He was presented with the opportunity to coach with the respected Mr. Phil Hummel. Those were some of Rod’s best coaching memories. When Coach Hummel retired, Rod filled his shoes and achieved many great public and private successes. He did not like being in team pictures because he felt the athletes earned the praise, not him. He loved teaching junior high kids as well as coaching high school students. Rod retired from teaching in May of 2021. In his retirement he continued to help keep the basketball stat book. He sat at the basketball officials table for about 25 years.
Rod was preceded in death by his father (2012); mother (2024); son, Joseph (2016); and sister-in-law, Cathy Rock Smith (2020). He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Teresa; daughter, Mary Fae Smith; son, James Otto (Nicole) Smith; daughter-in-law, Tina Smith; grandchildren, Cody James, Sadie Jo, Jolie Christina, Charlotte Eden, Joseph Brooks and Evangeline Marie; brother, Robert (Cheryl) Smith; sister, Jennifer (Gary) Hall; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Woodbine. Pastor Chuck Snow and James Smith presided over the service. Music was played by Bob Smith. The congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace”, Precious Memories” and “O Holy Night”.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
